That's right. You're looking at a business class product so immaculate that you can hardly tell it's a Malaysia Airlines product. Actually, it isn't. Malaysia Airlines has recently acquired an ex-SAS A350-900 aircraft (9M-MAH) which still contains the SAS configuration, which also includes several premium economy seats in addition to a much better business class product.
In July 2022, Scandinavian Airlines initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Recent developments suggest that Air France-KLM is likely to invest in the airline, with plans for Scandinavian Airlines to join the SkyTeam alliance. As part of its cost-reduction strategy, Scandinavian Airlines has been phasing out some aircraft, including terminating leases for several of its Airbus A350s. The SAS A350 fleet features a seating configuration of 300, divided into 40 business class, 32 premium economy, and 228 economy class seats. In comparison, Malaysia Airlines' A350s have a capacity of 286 seats, comprising four premium business, 35 business class, and 257 economy class seats.
According to AeroRoutes, from December 31, 2023, there will be a daily direct flight service between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Melbourne (MEL).
With a splendid 1-2-1 seat configuration, this is absolutely the best Malaysia Airlines product to fly on. You'll no longer have to fight with other passengers for throne seats on Malaysia Airlines legacy business product.
Premium Economy on 9M-MAH
To make things even more interesting, this aircraft configuration also has premium economy seats as part of SAS' configuration. Malaysia Airlines does not sell premium economy seats, so expect these seats to be reserved for its Enrich elite members or be prepared to pay an extra cost upfront to secure theses seats.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia Airlines' hard product has been a subject of criticism for decades. Will things change now that the airline is introducing ex-SAS aircraft in its fleet? I doubt so. Either way, if you happen to be travelling on these routes with the new A350-900, I'd definitely take the opportunity to embrace the superior product while you still can!
